Prices, Specifications & 360° Interactive
Fiat 500 - Price, Specs and 360° Interactive
Fiat 500 (1957-1975) - 360° Interactive
Fiat 500 (1957-1975) - Key Specifications
Fiat 500 (1957-1975) Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | City Car |
| Released At | 1957 Turin Auto Show |
| Built At | Turin, Italy |
| Engine | 479 cc - 594 cc Inline-2 (Air-Cooled) |
| Position | Rear-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Natural |
| Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Valvetrain | OHV, 2 Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Feed | Carburetor |
| Displacement | 479 cc - 594 cc / 29.2 in³ - 36.3 in³ |
| Bore | 67.4 mm / 2.65 in |
| Stroke | 70 mm / 2.76 in |
| Compression | 7.1:1 |
| Power | 13 - 23 hp / 10 - 17 kW |
| Specific Output | 27.0 hp per liter |
| BHP/Weight | 30 bhp per tonne |
| Torque | 30 Nm / 22 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 85 - 105 km/h / 53 - 65 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | 30 seconds (approximate) |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 45 seconds (approximate) |
| Body / Frame | Steel Monocoque |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | Steel Wheels |
| Front Tires | 125-12 |
| Rear Tires | 125-12 |
| Front Brakes | Drum Brakes |
| Rear Brakes | Drum Brakes |
| Front Wheels | 30.5 x 10.2 cm / 12 x 4 in |
| Rear Wheels | 30.5 x 10.2 cm / 12 x 4 in |
| Front Suspension | Independent, Transverse Leaf Spring |
| Rear Suspension | Semi-Trailing Arm with Coil Springs |
| Curb Weight | 499 - 550 kg / 1100 - 1210 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | 40 % Front / 60 % Rear |
| Wheelbase | 1840 mm / 72.4 in |
| Length | 2970 mm / 116.9 in |
| Width | 1320 mm / 52.0 in |
| Height | 1320 mm / 52.0 in |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 5.5 L/100 km or 43 mpg-US |
| Fuel Capacity | 22 liters / 5.8 gallons |
Some Interesting Fiat 500 Facts
- Italy’s Iconic City Car
The Fiat 500, introduced in 1957, was designed as an affordable and practical vehicle for post-war Italy, becoming one of the most iconic and beloved cars in automotive history. - Compact Size with Clever Design
Measuring just 2.97 meters (9.7 feet) in length, the Fiat 500 was extremely compact, making it ideal for navigating narrow European city streets while still accommodating four passengers. - Air-Cooled Two-Cylinder Engine
The original models were powered by a small air-cooled, two-cylinder engine, starting at 479 cc with just 13 horsepower, but later versions increased in size and power. - Rear-Engine Layout
The Fiat 500 featured a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, which was unusual for small cars at the time but provided more cabin space and improved traction. - Innovative Folding Sunroof
To save on production costs and add versatility, early versions of the Fiat 500 included a fabric sunroof, offering a convertible-like experience at an affordable price. - Multiple Variants and Special Editions
Throughout its production, the Fiat 500 saw several variants, including the 500 Sport, 500L (Lusso) with upgraded interior, and the 500 Giardiniera, a small station wagon version with increased cargo space. - Impressive Fuel Efficiency
Thanks to its small engine, the Fiat 500 was incredibly fuel-efficient, achieving up to 50 mpg (4.7 L/100 km), making it economical for daily use. - Over 3.8 Million Units Produced
Fiat manufactured over 3.8 million units between 1957 and 1975, reflecting its massive popularity not just in Italy but across Europe. - Cultural Icon and Design Influence
The Fiat 500 became a symbol of Italy’s automotive and cultural renaissance, inspiring numerous films, artworks, and later retro-inspired models like the modern Fiat 500 (2007-present). - Legacy Preserved with Classic Car Enthusiasts
Even decades after production ended, the original Fiat 500 remains a highly sought-after classic car, celebrated for its charm, simplicity, and historical significance.
Fiat 500 Price
The original "Cinquecento" is a motoring icon—a 479cc–594cc air-cooled twin (13–23hp) with suicide doors, micro dimensions, and timeless charm. Now a highly collectible piece of Italian history.
1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)
Standard 500 (Non-Abarth, Non-Giardiniera)
- Project Car (Non-Runner/Rusty): €5,000 – €12,000
(Check floor pans, door frames, and engine bay—rot repair costs €10k+.) - Drivable but Worn (Resto-Mod): €15,000 – €25,000
(Expect patina, mechanical quirks, and non-original parts.) - Restored (Matching Numbers): €30,000 – €50,000
(Fresh Bianco paint, rebuilt engine, Fiat Classiche certified.) - Concours-Grade (<20,000 km): €60,000 – €100,000+
(Never modified, all books/tools, museum-quality.)
Special Versions
- 500F (1965–1972): +€5k (Most refined model.)
- 500 Abarth (695cc, 38hp): €80,000 – €150,000+ (Verify Abarth stamps.)
- Giardiniera Station Wagon: +€10k (Rarer but less sporty.)
2. Key Factors Affecting Value
✅ Provenance & Rarity
- Fiat Classiche Certificate: +€5k (confirms authenticity).
- Italian Delivery: +€3k (Check libretto for origin.)
✅ Desirable Original Features
- Suicide Doors (Pre-1965): +€2k (Early models only.)
- Original "Fanalino" Taillights: +€1k (Often replaced.)
- Uncracked Steering Wheel: +€800 (Most are sun-damaged.)
⚠️ Critical Watch-Outs
- Rust: Structural rot totals most project cars—X-ray inspection recommended.
- Non-Matching Engine: "110" prefix must match chassis—or –30% value.
- Fake Abarths: Verify "695SS" stamps on block.
3. Where to Buy in the EU?
Specialist Dealers
- Fiat 500 Club Italia: Best for certified cars.
- Classic Car Auctions (UK/DE): For top-tier examples.
Private Sales
- Subito.it (Italy): Largest inventory of barn finds.
- Oldtimer Markt (Germany): Higher prices but better condition.
Pro Tip: Swiss/Dutch cars often have less rust but 20% higher prices.
4. Market Trends
📈 Italian Icon Boom
- +10% annually since 2015 (now 5x 2000 prices).
- Abarth Models rising fastest (+15% in 2023).
⚠️ Trap Warning
- "Barn Find" Scams: Many are parts cars with fresh paint.
- Brazilian-Made Clones: Lack Italian VIN tags—walk away.
5. Must-Do Checks
🔧 Mechanical
- Compression Test: <7 bar? €3k engine rebuild needed.
- 4-Speed Gearbox: Whining? €2k rebuild (weak syncros).
📄 Paperwork
- Foglio Complementare: Italian title document (non-negotiable).
- ASI Certification: Gold standard for Italian classics.
Fun Fact:
The 500’s starter button doubles as the throttle cable adjuster—pure 1950s ingenuity!
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